Scholars of Southeast Asian Studies on Preah Vihear

The Scholars of Southeast Asian Studies, whose purpose is to contribute to knowledge about the Southeast Asian region, wish to emphasise that the root of this border dispute is in the historical and cultural legacies of Thailand and Cambodia. Facts and interpretations of historical evidences should be conducted with respect to the truth, and not to serve partisan political interests. Accordingly, we would like to propose the following:

1) In the case of Preah Vihear, we fully support the ruling of the International Court of Justice on June 15 1962 at The Hague, Netherlands that the sovereignty over the Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia.

2) We support and promote vigorous debate over contentious issues, providing that knowledge should not be used to cause prejudice and antagonism between neighbouring countries that may even lead to warfare.

3) We recognise that various countries in the region share a common history and culture. These commonalities should serve as the foundation of international cooperation to protect human dignity and for fraternity among nations, particularly in the face of increasing challenges to all countries in the region posed by globalisation.

4) We recommend that the necessary steps be taken to resolve this dispute through organisational mediation. Asean should initiate this process to achieve this goal.

We urge teachers, parents, mass media, students, and the people of Thailand and Cambodia to call for a peaceful solution to this dispute, based on respect for the integrity of all Southeast Asian nations.

Scholars of Southeast Asian Studies (Multiple Signatories)

Bangkok

Tej shows what a competent politician can accomplish

Re: "Tej's time to shine", Talk of the Town, July 29.

 The new foreign minister took only a few days to show us how a complicated international situation should be handled. He does not need an entourage of advisers or experts. I believe that many Thai people never knew or heard of him before his appointment. It took the former minister making a big mistake before we could have this distinguished diplomat as our foreign minister. We should give credit to whoever proposed his nomination.

Something must be wrong with our system. We always wait until someone makes a big mistake and then ask the one who is more qualified to rectify the situation. It looks like the best people will never have a chance to serve until someone takes us into a crisis.

Foreign Minister Tej Bunnaj would never have been given a chance like this if a mistake had not been made. And his valuable service would not have been available to the Thai people. We should wonder how many good people there are out there who are as qualified in many areas, but never have a chance to serve the public. Thailand is really not doing bad even without competent leaders. Imagine how much better we would be if the best people were allowed to lead. Is it time the politicians give us only competent leaders, even from outside their inner circle? Should we all step aside and encourage our best people to show us how things should be done?

Prichar

Bangkok

Chaiya's return to Cabinet against spirit of initial removal

Chaiya Sasomsap was removed from the post of public health minister by the Constitution Court for improper declaration of assets. Now he is installed as commerce minister. He argued that the Constitution did not require a period a way from political office. This rationale will render the Constitution Court order meaningless. We need another removal order from the Constitution Court.

If he was unfit to serve as public health minister, the same violation should disqualify him from serving as commerce minister.

Veharachan

Bangkok

Thaksin doesn't deserve an English escape route

Re: "Courts might soon send Thaksin packing for England", Opinion, August 2.

It comes as no surprise that neither Pojaman nor Thaksin will serve a single day in jail. Why should the Shinawatras be allowed permanent residence in my country when Thaksin did all in his power to restrict our stay in his?

And, surely, when it's his turn to duck the dock, the Football Association should be reminded of its responsibility to disbar a fugitive from owning an English football club, as he will then be deemed "unfit and improper".

The other thing that sticks in my craw is that the British authorities will overlook his past, and allow him, as you state, to "live a peaceful life in London".

If so, let's play politics English-style. David Cameron: expect mail.

James Groveway

Bangkok